the committee needs to vote on the nomination of former senator chuck hagel to be the next secretary of defense. live coverage our on companion networking c-span3. >>> having observed a steady opportunity, i can report you that the state of this old but youthful union is good. >> ones again in keeping with time on a tradition. i have come to report to you on the state of the union. i'm pleased to report that america is much improved. and there's good reason to believe that improvement will continue through the days ahead. [applause] >> my duty tonight to report on the state of the union. not the state of our government. but of our american community. and as set forth, our responsibility in the words of our founders perform a more perfect union. the state of the union is strong. >> as we gather tonight, ournati nation is in war. our economy is in recession, and the civilized world faces unprecedentedac dangers. yet the state of the union has, never been stronger. >> it's because of our people that our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward. of our union is strong. >> tonight pres